GRAFT AND CORRUPTION

Updated on November 5, 2009

GRAFT AND CORRUPTION

There are many government officials who serve the country well. But
there are also those who commit graft, a dishonest way of obtaining
something when the opportunity comes. Graft hinders progress. Why do you think
so?

Another
illegal practice which hinders progress is corruption. This is
persuading or tempting an official to commit an illegal act.

The awarding of contracts to construct public buildings or to deliver
office equipment and supplies are occasions for some officials to engage in
corrupt practices. The contractor who offers the biggest cash reward or
kickback for government contracts tempts or persuades the official to do
something illegal. He corrupts the official by bribing him so he can get the
contract even if he is not qualified.

Another bad practice of certain officials is the overpricing of
equipment, supplies and labor. Instead of the actual cost, prices are jacked up
with the connivance of the salesman, supplier or those in charge of
construction. The public official enriches himself this way and robs the people
of their tax money.

Jeepney, tricycle, taxi and bus drivers are often victimized by tong
collectors. Operators of gambling dens, cockpits, jueteng and
business establishments also fall prey to tong collectors. The illegal practice
is two-way. For a fee, drivers are allowed to commit tripcutting, overspeeding,
illegal parking or even driving without license. Establishments, on the other
hand, are allowed to operate illegally. In exchange, some law enforcers just play
blind and deaf.

In
a government-administered project, workers listed in the payroll far exceeds
those actually involved in the project.
. Wages or salaries paid to in existing workers go to the pockets of
corrupt officials. This practice is called payroll padding.

There are other corrupt practices that take place in government
offices. An employee may punch in the time card for an absent friend. Women
employees may indulge in unnecessary talks during office hours or they may
engage in the buy and sell business during office hours.

ORIGIN OF THE PHILIPPINES
It is believed that
before the end of the Ice Age, about 70,000,000 years ago, our country was
connected to the mainland of Asia by long strips of land. These strips of land
served as land...